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Utilities and phone

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in District of Columbia

In the District, LIHEAP pays a one-time benefit of $250 to $1,800 toward heating and cooling bills, and emergency help if your gas or electric service has been cut off or your oil tank is nearly empty.

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From the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Energy Services
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the only place that takes applications: online, by mail, or by appointment through 311.

How to apply in District of Columbia

By phone
202-737-4404
In person
By appointment only at a DOEE service center: 1207 Taylor Street NW (Wards 1 to 6) or 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE (Wards 6 to 8). Call 311 or 202-737-4404 to book. Walk-ins are not accepted, including for emergencies.
By mail
Print the application and mail it with copies of your documents to Department of Energy & Environment, Attn: Utility Affordability Administration, 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in District of Columbia

Who may qualify for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Yearly income limit, one person (fiscal year 2027: Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027)$63,024 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
Yearly income limit, two people (fiscal year 2027)$82,416 a year for two people
What to bringUnexpired government photo ID, recent Washington Gas, Pepco and DC Water bills, proof of current income and Social Security cards for everyone in the home, and any disconnection notice

Source: DC Department of Energy and Environment (source 1)

What you may get

What Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays
One-time regular benefit (fiscal year 2027)$250 to $1,800, based on household size and income, heating fuel and type of home. Homes with heat included in the rent get up to $250.
Emergency helpFor homes that still owe $250 or more after the regular benefit and whose service has been cut off or whose fuel tank is at 5% or less. For gas or electric, bring proof from Pepco or Washington Gas that service was disconnected.

Source: DC Department of Energy and Environment (source 2)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
When to apply for fiscal year 2027Online applications opened Oct. 20, 2026. 311 began booking in-person appointments on Nov. 10, 2026, and appointments start Nov. 17, 2026.

Source: DC Department of Energy and Environment (source 1)

Good to know

  • DOEE is the only office allowed to take LIHEAP applications. Don't give your application to a utility, another agency or any third party.
  • You can check the status of an online application by logging back in, or by calling 311 (202-737-4404).

Source: DC Department of Energy and Environment (source 1)

Free help

Free help with this in District of Columbia

More help in District of Columbia

Help with heating and cooling bills in another state

Sources

  1. DC Department of Energy and Environment, Receive Assistance With Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. DC Department of Energy and Environment, DOEE's LIHEAP Regular Benefits Table for FY 2027 (Sept. 29, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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